BALINEWSID.COM, SUMATRA – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the National Strategic Projects (PSN) of PT Hutama Karya (Persero) on Thursday (July 16) to inspect the construction progress of the Palembang–Betung Toll Road and the Betung–Tempino–Jambi Toll Road, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating the completion of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS).

The visit underscored the government’s efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth across Sumatra through the development of key transportation infrastructure.

During the inspection, Vice President Gibran was accompanied by South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, Jambi Governor Al Haris, Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa, Musi Banyuasin Regent M. Toha, officials from the National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN), and executives from Hutama Karya.

Gibran received a comprehensive briefing on the progress of both toll road projects before reviewing construction activities on site. He praised the significant progress achieved, particularly on the Musi V Bridge, one of the project’s major engineering structures.

“The acceleration of construction, especially on Musi V Bridge, has shown remarkable progress. I last visited the project in September 2025, and today, in July 2026, I can clearly see the substantial improvements that have been made,” Gibran said.

He also urged all stakeholders to complete the projects on schedule so the public can immediately benefit from improved interregional connectivity, reduced travel times, and stronger economic development throughout Sumatra.

The Palembang–Betung Toll Road spans 69.19 kilometers and is divided into three sections: Palembang–Rengas (21.5 km), Rengas–Pangkalan Balai (33 km), and Pangkalan Balai–Betung (14.69 km). Construction has reached 85.54 percent, while land acquisition stands at 88.43 percent.

Meanwhile, the Betung–Tempino–Jambi Toll Road stretches 170.73 kilometers, consisting of three main sections: Betung–Tungkal Jaya (62.38 km), Tungkal Jaya–Bayung Lencir (54.32 km), and Bayung Lencir–Simpang Ness (52.59 km). Parts of the route are already operational, while construction on the remaining sections continues.

Once fully completed, the two toll roads will form a vital corridor of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, providing a faster and more efficient connection between South Sumatra and Jambi. The corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance access to industrial zones, ports, production centers, and other economic hubs across the region.

Hutama Karya’s Operations Director III, Iwan Hermawan, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing both projects on schedule while maintaining high standards of construction quality, occupational safety, and project governance.

“The Vice President’s direction and support further strengthen Hutama Karya’s commitment to completing the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi Toll Roads as planned. Once fully operational, these toll roads will improve connectivity between South Sumatra and Jambi, shorten travel times, enhance logistics efficiency, and create new economic opportunities along the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road corridor,” Iwan said.

Hutama Karya added that it will continue coordinating closely with the central and regional governments, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the projects are completed on target and deliver long-term benefits for regional connectivity, national logistics, and sustainable economic growth across Sumatra.